Panchakarma: An Ayurvedic Retreat

Join us for 4 days of cleansing, healing and renewal utilizing the preeminent healing and detoxification process in traditional ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of holistic health and medicine in the world. This “science of life” brings balance to your vital energy forces to heal existing illnesses, prevent disease, and improve overall quality of well-being. Ayurveda believes all illness stems from toxin (ama) accumulation and energetic imbalances in the body and mind. Through the gentle, yet comprehensive detoxification offered in Panchakarma, these toxins are cleared and energies are brought into harmony. This yields a shift toward increased vitality and clarity of mind.

What is Panchakarma?

The Sanskrit word “Panchakarma” means “Five Actions,” and traditionally involves five cleansing and purification techniques including nasya (medicated nasal oil treatment), bowel cleanses, and blood letting. The Westernization of this process has altered these five to include:

The preliminary actions of snehana (oiling) and swedana (steam or sweating) are used to soften and nourish tissues and loosen toxins so they can be removed more easily via internal cleanse.

Shirodhara (streaming of oil over the forehead into the hairline) is one of the most profound services offered during Panchakarma, as it subtly addresses mental and emotional ama, leaving the mind open and peaceful. Over four days, this process gently purifies and relaxes your body and mind, leaving you feeling light, calm, and clear.

Cleanses of the GI tract (vamana, virechana, and basti) are prescribed based on each person’s individual needs and constitution.

These purification and rejuvenative techniques are highly specialized and tailored to each person based on their energetic and doshic imbalance. They not only work on a deep physical level, but they reach into the deeper layers of the mental and energetic body, cleansing gross as well as subtle forms of toxins.

Who Comes to Panchakarma?

We have seen a diverse range of Panchakarma participants in the 19 years that we have offered this program. Some participants are experienced yoga teachers and wellness practitioners coming for a reboot. Many are novices to yoga and ayurveda, seeking restoration and healing for chronic issues, especially those that are not well addressed by modern medicine.

All inclusive Package Pricing

We offer an all inclusive package price of $2,170 for this four day retreat. The price includes all services, treatments, special meals, and juices, plus deluxe accommodations with a private bath in either our guest house or the main building.

Note: Some of the Panchakarma treatments are contraindicated during pregnancy and may aggravate an already difficult menstruation. Please keep this in mind when selecting a weekend.

*Rates and services are subject to change.

About our Retreat Center

Our 400 acre retreat center is the perfect setting to let go of the mental pressures and daily responsibilities that can often prevent a complete healing process. Here you can immerse yourself in the peaceful natural surroundings, including five nature trails for walking and hiking, Sunset Pond for canoeing or quiet contemplation, and gazebo spaces located throughout the campus. As you leave the stresses of your daily life behind, your mind and body begin to settle into a calm, relaxed state. This is where cleansing and healing truly begin.

Our wellness team is highly experienced in the Panchakarma process and they respect your cleansing and healing process. Therefore, this retreat is limited to a small number of participants. You will receive personal and individualized attention, allowing you to feel supported and nurtured during this process of deep renewal.

Testimonials

“The pre- and post meetings with Dr. Carrie were excellent. The treatments were excellent. The people here were amazing—hard to name one thing! Also biofeedback—awesome experience!”

“Speaking with Dr.Carrie and learning ways to address my concerns about the changes in my body was so valuable to me. I feel like I can now connect cause and effect, and response.”

“The yoga classes were phenomenal. I felt like the 4 classes we had have “fed” my practice enough to draw on them for months.”

“This program has taught me to take time out of my day for yoga, and that it doesn’t have to be difficult or painful. I also learned that Ayurvedic cooking can be amazingly flavorful and good.”

“All of the staff working with us were excellent, compassionate, and…well, awesome!”

“I am deeply relaxed, have a new interest in yoga, and am very excited to have had an intro to ayurvedic medicine.”

This 4 Day / 4 Night Retreat Includes:

Individual consultations with integrative physician Carrie Demers, MD. Dr. Demers will help you to identify doshic and digestive imbalances, and then prescribe specific treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and herbal therapies to support a return to balance. She is with you at every step of this cleanse!

Daily relaxing therapeutic massage, followed by shirodhara, a special ayurvedic oil therapy treatment

Steam therapy for further toxin removal

Gentle morning hatha yoga classes

Biofeedback sessions to help with stress management and breath training

Evening group classes and discussion on a variety of topics regarding ayurveda, prakriti, agni, meditation, and self-care

An individualized take home plan for continued success after the retreat has ended

During this four day cleansing retreat, subtle toxins will be gently removed from your body and mind, allowing you to release constricting habit patterns and thought processes. This will enable you to find your “center” of health again, where you can settle into a state of well-being and harmony. In addition to your daily treatments, you will have ample free time to explore the beautiful grounds, enjoy quality alone time for quiet reflection, or connect with the intimate group of attendees.

Panchakarma: An Ayurvedic Retreat is located at The Himalayan Institute Retreat Center in northeastern Pennsylvania. Nestled in the rolling Pocono Mountains and surrounded by lush, green forest, the Himalayan Institute will wrap you in a feeling of serenity and peace. Take time for reflection at the charming Sunset Pond, gaze at the sweeping vista overlooking the Sound of Music Hill, or re-connect to nature on one of the four hiking trails.

Who Manages the Program?

The entire retreat is overseen and managed by the medical director of PureRejuv Wellness Center, Dr. Carrie Demers. Board-certified in both integrative medicine and internal medicine, Dr. Demers blends modern medicine with proven alternative and holistic methods to treat a variety of health concerns. Her dedication to empowering individuals to reclaim their inner healing potential is evident in her compassionate and detailed approach to her practice. She will work closely with your retreat team to prescribe customized treatments based on your current mental, physical, and medical condition. Dr. Demers is with you every step of this cleansing process, encouraging you and supporting you along the way so that you gain the most benefit from your immersive retreat experience.

Upcoming Panchakarma Retreats

Panchakarma Ayurvedic Retreat

with Carrie Demers, MD

March 22–26, 2018

Panchakarma Ayurvedic Retreat

with Carrie Demers, MD

May 17–21, 2018

Panchakarma Ayurvedic Retreat

with Carrie Demers, MD

August 23–27, 2018

Panchakarma Ayurvedic Retreat

with Carrie Demers, MD

November 1–5, 2018

Panchakarma Ayurvedic Retreat

with Carrie Demers, MD

March 22–26, 2018

Panchakarma Ayurvedic Retreat

with Carrie Demers, MD

May 17–21, 2018

Panchakarma Ayurvedic Retreat

with Carrie Demers, MD

August 23–27, 2018

Panchakarma Ayurvedic Retreat

with Carrie Demers, MD

November 1–5, 2018

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